Manchester United have appointed the German manager Ralf Rangnick as their interim boss until the end of the season.
Initially, Michael Carrick was appointed after the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 63-year-old currently holds an administrative role at the Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow but he has decided to join the Premier League giants on a six-month contract.
The German has extensive managerial experience as well and his high pressing style of football has inspired several top-class managers like Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann over the years.
It would be fair to assume that Rangnick will employ a high pressing attacking style of football at Old Trafford as well and here at Anytime football, we look at how the Red Devils could line-up under him.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
It is hard to imagine anyone other than the Spaniard starting in between the sticks on a regular basis.
David De Gea has not been at his best for a few seasons now but he has managed to improve a lot this season and he has helped Manchester United grind out important results with crucial saves.
Defenders: Aaron Wan Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw
The absence of club captain Harry Maguire might seem surprising, but the reality is that the former Leicester City star is in abysmal form right now and he needs a break.
The England international has not recovered fully from his injuries and he will need some time to get back to his best.
Furthermore, Eric Bailly would be a better fit for a high pressing team because of his recovery pace.
Luke Shaw has been outstanding for Manchester United since the departure of Jose Mourinho and he’s likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Aaron Wan Bissaka’s impressive tackling ability could be useful in a high pressing game where Rangnick is looking to win the ball high up the pitch and initiate counter-attacking moves.
Midfielders: Donny van de Beek, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes
The Dutch international has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth at Old Trafford but the arrival of Rangnick could be a blessing in disguise for him. Donny van de Beek is used to playing in a high pressing set-up from his time at Ajax and he could be a key player for Manchester United going forward.
Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are automatic starters because of their quality and importance to the side.
Forwards: Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford
Sancho flourished in a free-flowing attacking setup at Borussia Dortmund and the arrival of Rangnick could help him break away from the shackles and produce high quality attacking football.
Marcus Rashford seems like the most reasonable pick as the left-sided forward because of his pace and ability to beat defenders and chip in with goals.
Uruguayan international Edinson Cavani would have been a perfect fit for a high pressing team in an ideal world but it seems highly unlikely that he will start ahead of the 36-year-old Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
